Tanner was especially impressive in the preseason for the Saints before an ankle injury. Higgins too was productive in preseason and both were considered "bubble" players with chances of making the roster.

New names on the roster are offensive guards Ricky Henry, a former Bears practice squad member, and undrafted rookie Harland Gunn (Miami FL).

Notably, there is no quarterback on the opening practice squad list, though this is likely to change at any time.

According to the CBA, players are eligible for the practice squad if they have been activated for fewer than nine regular season games. Being on a team's 53-man roster but inactive on game days would not count against practice squad eligibility. Teams may have at most eight players on their practice squad, plus one additional international player should a team choose. Additionally, a player may not have served more than three games in any two previous seasons on a practice squad.